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Canadians Tarek Loubani, John Greyson ‘grateful’ for support from back home throughout Egyptian ordeal

The two are in high spirits despite uncertainty over their fates in Egypt.

These undated family handout photos show John Greyson, a filmmaker and professor, left, and Tarek Loubani, a physician. The two have spoken out, saying they are grateful for the support they've received while jailed. (AP)

Tues., Oct. 8, 2013

John Greyson and Tarek Loubani, the two men jailed in an Egyptian prison for more than seven weeks without charge, have spoken out for the first time since their arrest, saying they are remaining strong as uncertainty surrounds their fate in the North African country.

Justin Podur, a spokesperson for Greyson and Loubani, read a joint statement from the men, saying they are “grateful from the support they have received from the [Toronto] community,” while insisting they are in high spirits despite being barred from leaving the country as Egyptian officials continue to investigate them.

“We are safe, we are well, we are rediscovering the joys of things like beds and pillows,” the statement read in part. “We look forward to being back home soon with family and friends. “At the same time, our hearts are with the other prisoners who remain wrongfully detained without charge,” it continued. “For them and their families, we hope they can enjoy the sunshine like we are today.”

It remains unknown when Greyson, a Canadian filmmaker and Loubani, an emergency doctor, will be allowed to leave Egypt as officials in the country continue their criminal investigation of the two men.

The men were expected to board a flight from Cairo to Frankfurt before taking a connecting flight back to Pearson International Airport this past weekend following their release from prison, awaiting documents to be signed authorizing their release. However, the men were turned back at the last minute.

As of Tuesday, it remains unclear how long the criminal investigation against Greyson and Loubani will last, or when they will be allowed to leave Egypt, despite assertions by Greyson’s sister Cecilia that they expect the men to be released before the end of this week.

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